Folding umbrella



March 11, 1930.

FOLDING'UMBRELLA Filed April 9, 192aj A:a sheets-sheet 1 michi.-

INVENTOR Simiay iff/rtg;

J ATTORNEY s. lAmma@ 1,750,379

Patented Mar. 11,."19-30 STNLY AKRIGG, OF DBYBURG, MICHIGAN FOLDING UMBREL'LA.

Application 1ed April 9,

The invention generally has for its object to provide a folding umbrella structure that can be folded into a compact bundle when not in use and which is so constructed that it can be adjusted- 'from its completely folded condition to its completely opened position by a longitudinal pull through the length ofthe stock thereof.- l

In its more detailed nature the invention 1o seeks to provide an umbrella structure of the character stated comprising a stock and ribs composed of telescopic sections, automatically actuatable devices to secure the sections at extended positions, means to interlockcerl5 tain of the rib sections with the stock when folded to cause the rib and stock sections to be simultaneously extended by a longitudinal pull through the length of said stock, and

means brought into operation by a continued longitudinal pull to move the ribs to the operative position and secure them in that position.

Other' objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out hereinafter,

To the attainment of the aforesaid objects and ends, my invention consists lin the novel details of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, all of which will be first fully described in` the following detailed description, then be particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a central longitudinalsection of the invention in the completely folded condition, the coverbeing removed.

Figure 2 is a central 'longitudinal section of the invention in the partially unfolded position, parts being in elevation.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary central longi- 140 tudinal View illustrating the parts in the op eratve position, parts being removed.

lFigure 4 is an enlarged detail section illustrating one of the stock securing snap locks. Figure 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5-5 on Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an inverted perspective view of the slide collar, per se.

Figure is a detail perspective view of the v joint portion of one of the rib braces. Figure 8 is an enlarged detail section illus- 1928. 4Serial No. 268,535.

trating the thumb latch which secures the up-v permost stock section to position.

In carrying out the invention I provide a handle section 1 which is bored as at 2 and counterbored as at 3 to form a part of and 5:5

' receive portions of the collapsible stock.- The section 1 is also provided, adjacent its lower end, with an annular groove 4. In a recess in the wall of the bore is a spring catch lug c 5, the purpose of which W1ll.later be de- 60 scribed.

In addition to the handle sections the stock of the umbrella is composed offive telescopic sections', the four lower sections of which, indicatedat 6, are tubular and are provided with reinforcing ferrules 7 and provided with spring snap lock lugs. The vsnap lock lugs of all of the tubular sections except the uppermost one are indicated at 8 and are adapted to cooperate with lock grooves 9 formed in the lower end of each of the tubular sections 6. The spring catch lug 5 of the handle section also serves this purpose.

It will be observed by reference to 'Figures 1 and 4 of the drawings that the grooves 9 are defined at their lower side by a positive stop shoulder and at their upper sides by cam shoulders 10. Thus the lug yand groove connections serve to hold the parts locked to the operative position illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings and positively secure the sections against complete withdrawal out of associated sections but by reason of the cam shoulder provisions it is possible to readily-collapse the Irtelescopic sections from the position shown in Figure 2 of the drawings to that shown in Figure 1, the said cam shoulders serving to automatically collapse the spring catches.

The uppermost stock section 11 is solid and the uppermost tubular stock section ferrule is provide with an inwardly projecting lug 12'to slide in the keyway 13 formed in the stock section 11 which serves to hold the said solid and tubular stock sections in proper relation. Y

The ferrule of the uppermost tubular stock section is also provided with a snap locklug similar to those 8 hereinbefore described and which is constructed to include a thumb engaging extension 14 by which the lug may be readily withdrawn from locking engagement with the lock notch 15 formed in the lower end of the stock section 11 and with which the said snap lug is adapted to cooperate in holding the stock section 11 to the operative position shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

The section 11 also includes a reduced and threaded shank 16 forming an abutment shoulder against which the ribs mounting head 17 is securely clamped by the nut 18 to which a suitable carry and pull ring 19 is attached, as indicated in Figure 1 of the drawings. The head 17 includes the usual notched and grooved periphery 2O in which the ribs of the umbrella are secured by a twisted wire 21 in the usual manner.

The ribs are also constructed of telescopic sections 22 and the innermost ones of the sections are provided. with flattened and apertured ears 23 to adapt them for mounting on the head 17in the manner above referred to.

The outermost rib section is provided with a disk head 24 to fit in the groove 4 of the handle section when the parts are in the collapsed or folded position illustrated in Figure 1l of the drawings. The rib sections are Cil also provided with reinforcing ferrules 25 and all ofthe ribs except the ones connected to the mounting head 20 are provided with keeper grooves 2G and the ferruled ends of all of the sections except the outermost ones are provided with snap lock lugs 27, the said grooves and lugs 26 and 27 serving the same purpose as the lugs and groves 8 and 9 of the stock sections hereinbefore described in detail.

'The ferrules of the innermost rib sections are provided with ears 28 to which brace rods 29 are pivoted, the said rods including hinged portions 30 providing a knee joint by reason of the one-way hinge connection at 31. The portions 30 are inverted U-shape and are provided with iattened and aperturedears 32 at their inner ends which are pivotally connected to thehead 33 fixed on the section 11, the connection of the members 30 with the said head being the same as the connection of the ribs with the mounting head 20.

By reference to Figure 7 of the drawings it will be observed that the hinge portions 30 are lug-bent at 34 to engage the brace rods 29 and prevent the parts 29 and 30 reaching longitudinal alignment or dead center position.

A collar 35 is slidably mounted on the stock section 11 between the heads 2O and 33 and the said collar is grooved at its under face as at 36 to receive the hinge portions 30 for the purpose of properly spacing them. The eollar is chain connected as at 37 to the uppermost stock section ferrule 7 in the manner indicated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 8 of the drawings.

The' ferrules of the rib sections 22 are provided with lugs or eyes 38 by which the cover 39 may be secured. The cover is clamped securely to the head 2O by the clamp nut 18 and a suitable washer.

In operation assuming the parts to be in the position illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings with the rib end heads 24 mounted in the handle groove 4 a pull exerted through the length of the device by one grasping the handle section at its lower end andthe groove connected ends of the ribs and by the pull ring 19, the parts of the device may be moved from the collapsed condition illustrated in said ligure to a position where all of the rib sections have been moved to their extended lposition and the stock sections partially the handle groove 4 it is possible to simultaneously extend the rib sections wholly and the stock sections partially. By then releasing 'the connections of the rib ends with the handle section groove 4 and continuing the pull the parts will be moved to the position illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings at which time all of the stock sections except the solid section 11 will have been moved to their fully extended position. At this point further free movement of the stock section 11 is limited by the chain 37. Continued pull will cause the collar 35 to ride down the section 11 and to engage the hinged portions 30 to force and secure them to the rib extended operative position shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

After manual release of the snap lock lug 8-14 the stock may be collapsed by forcing its ends toward each other and immediately upon release of tensin on the chains 37 the collar 35 will ride up on the section 11 and the ribs will fall to theposition shown in Figure 2 of the drawing.

In the foregoing description I have disclosed a collapsible or foldable umbrella which is simple in construction and economical to manufacture, which may be compacted into a very small bulk when out of actual use and capable of change from compacted to operative condition and vice versa with a minimum of effort.

What I claim is:

1. In a folding umbrella, a stock formed of telescopically collapsible sections, ribs formed of collapsible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, and means actuated by a longitudinal pull on the stock to adjust all collapsible sections to their operative positions.

2. In a folding umbrella, a stock formed of telescopically collapsible sections, ribs formed of collapsible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, means actuated by a longitudinal pull on the stock to adjust all collapsible sections to their operative position, and automatically actua'table devices to secure the sections at the operative positions.

3. In a folding umbrella, a stock formed of collapsible. sections, 'ribs formed of colla'psible sections, means toconnect the ribs to the stock, and means associated with the stock and ribs whereby a pull through the length ofthe stock will partially extend the stock sections and wholly extend the ribl sections, and whereby a continued pull through the length ofthe stock will complete the extension of the stock'section and move the ribs to the operative position.

4. In a folding umbrella, a stock formed oflcollapsible sections, ribs formed of collapsible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, and means associated with the stock and ribs whereby a pull through the length of the stock will partially extend the stock sections and wholly extend the rib sections, and whereby aecontinued pull through the length of the stock-will complete the extension of the stock sections and move the ribs to the operative position, said last named means comprising a slide collar slidable on one stock section and connected to another stock section, and brace rods adapted to be ngaged by said collar for the purpose speci- 5. In a folding umbrella, a stock formed of collapsible sections, ribs formed of co1-` lapsible-sections, means'to connect the ribs to the stock, and means associated with the stock and ribs whereby a pull through the length of the stock will partially extend the stock sections and wholly extend the rib sections, and whereby a continued pull through the length of thestock will complete the extension of the stock sections and move the ribs to the operative position, said last named means comprising a slide collar slidablel on one stock section and connected to another stock section, brace rods adapted to be engaged b y said collar, and said brace rods comprising hinged sections and means to prevent the attainment of longitudinal4 alignment of the hinged sections for the purpose specified.

' 6. In a folding umbrella, a stockl formed of collapsible sections, ribs formed of collapsible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, vand means associated with the stock and ribs whereby a pull through the length of the stock will 'partially extend the stock scctions and wholly extend the rib sections, and whereby a continued p ull through the'length of the stock will complete the extension of the stock sections and move the ribsto the operative position, said last named means comprisinga slide collar slidable on one stock section and connected to another 4stock section, bracerods adapted to beengaged by said collar', and said collar having spacer grooves therein to receive the ribs for'the purpose specified?.

7; In a folding umbrella, stock formed of vcollapsible sections, ribs formed of collaps ible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, and means associated with the stock and a slide collar slidable on one stock section and connected to another stock section, brace rods adapted to be engaged by said collar, and said brace rods comprising hinged sections and means to prevent tle attainment of longitudinal alignment of the hinged sections,

and said collar having spacer grooves therein to receive theribs for the purpose specified. 8. In a folding umbrella, a stock formed of collapsible sections, ribs formed of collapsible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, and means associated with the stock and ribs whereby a pull through the length of the stockwill partially7 extend the stock sections and wholly extendtherib sections, and whereby a continued pull through the length of the stock will complete the extension of the stock sections and move the ribs to the operative position, said last named means comprising a slide collar slidable on one stock section and connected to another stock section, brace rods adapted to be engaged by said collar, and releasable positive locking devices to secure the slide, collar'to position on the said one stock section to secure the brace rods to'the operative position.

9. In foldable umbrellas, a stock composed of telescopic sections, ribs pivoted to the stock, brace rods to brace the ribs at the operative position and having breakable vknee joints, a slide collar slidable on o ney stock section and flexibly connected to another stock section and adapted when the stock sections are extended to engage the brace bars to extend and secure the knee joints, and .releasable means to secure the collar at the operative position.

` 10. In foldable umbrellas, a stock composed oftelescopic sections, ribs pivoted to ,thel stock, brace rods to brace the ribs at the operative position and having breakable knee joints, a 'slide collar slidable on one stock section and iiexibly connected.` to another stock section and adapted when the stock Sections are extended to engage the brace to permit them to automatically collapse when the collar recedes from engagement.

11. In a foldable umbrella, a stock formed of collapsible sections, ribs formed of collaps 'ible sections, means to connect the ribs to the stock, a cover, and means associated 'with the stock and ribs whereby a pull through i through the length of the stock Will complete the extension of the stock sections and move the ribs to the operative position, said last named means comprising a slide collar slidable on one stoclr section and connected to another stock section, brace rods adapted to be engaged by said collar, and interlocking connections between the lowermost stock section and the outermost rib sections.

l2. In a. foldable umbrella, a stock formed of telescopic sections including a top section and a handle section, ribs formed of telescopic sections and hinged to said top section, said handle section andthe outermost rib sections `having means to interlock When the umbrella is in folded condition and hold said outermost ribs against movement When the top and handle sections are being elongated Wholly to extend the rib sections and partially to extend the stock sections simultaneously, automatically actuatable snap locks to secure the sections at their extended positions, knee-jointed brace rods connecting the ribs and the top section of the stock, a slide collar slidable on the top section and flexibly connected to another stock section and serving when the stock is extended to engage and extend the braces to move the ribs to and secure said ribs at a radially extending position.

13. In a foldable umbrella, stock formed of telescopic sections including a top sec-V tion and a handle section, ribs formed of telescopic sections and hinged to said top section, said handle section and the outermost rib sections having means to interlock when the umbrella is in folded condition and hold said outermost ribs against movement When the top and handle sections are being elongated wholly ,to extend the rib sections and partially to extend the stock sections simultaneously, automatically actuatable snap locks to secure the sections at their extended positions, knee-jointed brace rods connecting the ribs and the top section of the stock, a slide collar slidable on the top section and flexibly connected to another stock section and serving when the stock is extended to engage and extend the braces to move the ribs to and secure said ribs at a radially extending position, said knee-joints being disposed to break upwardly and having means to prevent their attaining a dead center' position.

V of telescopic sections including a top sec- 14. In a :Foldable umbrella, a stock formed when the umbrella is in folded condition and hold said outermost ribs against movement when the top and handle sections are being elongated Wholly to extend the rib sections and partially to extend the stock sections simultaneously, automatically actuatable snap locks to secure the sections at their extended positions, knee-jointed brace rods connecting the ribs and the top section of the stock, a slide collar slidable on the top section and flexibly connectedv to another stock section and serving when the stock is extended to engage and extend the braces to move the ribs to and secure said ribs at a radially extending position, said collarhaving spacer grooves to receive the brace rods.

STANLEY AKRIGG. 

